Southern Illinois vs Belmont Prediction 1/4/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Southern Illinois vs Belmont prediction for this College Basketball game on Sunday, January 4th at Curb Event Center Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Southern Illinois Salukis Betting Preview

The Southern Illinois Salukis are 7-8 (1-3) this season after they defeated Valpo by a score of 75-70 in their last game. Southern Illinois led 36-25 at halftime, but did allow 45 points in the second half in the win. The Salukis shot 40% from the field, 33% on three pointers, and 60% on free throws in the game. Prince Aligbe led Southern Illinois with 12 points and three rebounds, while Quel’Ron House added 12 points and four rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Southern Illinois lost to Murray State by a score of 84-81 and Bradley by a score of 73-69. The Salukis have scored 78.7 points per game with 39.5 rebounds and 13.9 assists per game, while they have allowed 74.0 points against per game this season. Quel’Ron House is averaging 14.5 points and 3.1 rebounds per game, while Drew Steffe is averaging 9.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game for the Salukis. Southern Illinois is shooting 48.2% from the field, 66.4% on free throws, and 28.2% on three pointers this season. 

Belmont Bruins Betting Preview

The Belmont Bruins are 13-2 (3-1) this year after they defeated Bradley by a score of 88-78 in their last game. Belmont led 42-39 at halftime and added 46 points in the second half in the win. The Bruins shot 55% from the field, 43% on three pointers, and 73% on free throws in the game. Tyler Lundblade led Belmont with 25 points and two rebounds, while Jabez Jenkins added 18 points and seven rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Belmont lost to Indiana State by a score of 81-80, but did defeat UC Irvine by a score of 84-58 before that. The Bruins have scored 85.2 points per game with 39.6 rebounds and 18.8 assists per game, while they have allowed 69.7 points against per game this season. Tyler Lundblade is averaging 17.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game, while Sam Orme is averaging 13.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game for the Bruins. Belmont is shooting 51.3% from the field, 68.3% on free throws, and 40.1% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Belmont Bruins will win

• Belmont has won 14 of its last 15 day games at Curb Event Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Southern Illinois has lost four of its last five games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Southern Illinois has lost the first half in four of its last five road games against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Belmont’s last 10 Sunday games against the Missouri Valley Conference Conference have produced a total of 158 or fewer points.
• Thirty-five of Southern Illinois’ last 36 Sunday games against the Missouri Valley Conference Conference have produced a total of 157 or fewer points.

Southern Illinois vs Belmont Prediction 

Southern Illinois was able to snap their losing streak with a win over Valpo in their last game, but they will be on the road here. The Salukis have lost four of their last five games and they have allowed at least 75 points in three of their last five. Belmont is 13-2 to start the season and bounced back from an overtime loss with a nice win over Bradley. The Bruins are shooting 51% from the field and they have scored 80+ points in five straight. Take Belmont to cover at home in this one.

David Racey's Pick: Belmont -7.5